When Texas A&M beat Texas 38-30 at Kyle Field, it would be the last time the Aggies would be coached by Dennis Franchione as he resigned following the win. The Aggies, however, still have a game to play when they face Penn State on Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.

A&M Athletic Director Bill Byrne acted quickly in naming Houston Texans offensive coordinator Mike Sherman the new head coach in College Station, but Sherman is completing his duties for the Texans for the rest of the season. Franchione's defensive coordinator, Gary Darnell, has taken over the interim head coaching role for the Alamo Bowl.

For the past three weeks, the Aggies have been led by Darnell, and practices have been going on as normal. But the fact that Franchione is not there hasn't left the minds of his players.

"It was tough. Whenever you lose a guy that you've been around for four and a half years and you really look up to and have a good relationship with, that's always tough. It's not easy," said A&M junior quarterback Stephen McGee.

McGee isn't the only one with those sentiments, but practices without Franchione haven't strayed from the course that the Aggies have been used to all season.